Method of preparing nitro-qlycerine compounds



" California,

provement in Explosive Compounds wherein UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GILBERT S. DEAN, OF'SAN FRANOISGQOALIFORN IA.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Lettorl Patent No. 241,941, dated May 24, 1881.

- Application filed Jnly29,1879.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that "I, GILBERT S. DEAN, of

the city and county of San Francisco, State of have invented a new and useful Im-' Nitro-Glycerine is used, ing is a specification.

The object of the invention is to increase the safety of nitro-glycerine compounds.

I have found that water intimately mixed of which the followwith nitro-glycerine diminishes its liability to explode, both-in asses and in'detaik-the greater the quantity of water present the less theliabilityof producingnn accidental explo; sion. The essential point of the present invention is, then, the conferring of additional safety upon n-itro-glycerine by mixing with water. In order to produce such an intimate mixture it is necessary that the liquid mobility of the nitro-glycerine should be removed. This can be done, as is well known, by the addition of a pulverulent solid to the nitroglycer'ne.

In order to remove the liquid forni of the uitro-glycerine without substantial diminution of force I add thereto a intro-compound of the cellulose group. Nitrocellulose may be used, if -'in line powder, but I prefer nitro-dextrine, because ofits pn'lvernlent form and the readiness with which it combines with thenitro- .glyccrine.

From this brief statement of the principles concerned itwili be evident that. there may be quite considerable variations both in proportions and in methods of operating without sub stantial change in the results produced. I will, however, give in detail the method which I consider best.

Having prepared and washed the nitro-glyceriue, it is placed in a tank ormixer, and to it are added the desired quantities of water and of the solid nitro-compound. The whole is well mixed and stirred together.

By from live to ten minutes constant stirring a uniform mixture and only requires packing in cart-ridges to fit it for use.

With regard 'to the quantity of the solid nitro'compound to be used, my rule is to add the solid to the liquid till the liquid mobility is removed. Where the cellulose compound has been well prepared, ten per cent. ot'it will accomplish the result. if, however. it beimpure or ill prepared, it may still'be used, but in somewhat largerquantity. I have found to meet much time and trouble.

The quantity oTw'ater to he used in this compound is difficult to state with exactitude, as

all cases and to save pasty mass is produced which 5 The rule as given above the process allows of the mixture with the ni- 6o tro-glyceriue of any desired proportion of water. I have found, however, that where the mixing is thoroughly performed, the addition of two or threeper cent. of water to one hundretl percent. of the freshly-washed nitro-glyc 6 5 V crine is snfl'icient to confer practical safety.

Having now described my invention, I desire to disclaim as any part thereof the com bination, broadly, of nitro-glycerine with any solid substances; but

What I do claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The method, substantially as described, for

increasingthe safety in handling-or transportation of nitro-glycerine, consisting, essentially,

in intimately mixing it with a pulverulent nitro-c'ompound and water, as specified.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

GILBERT S. DEAN. Witnesses:

S. H. NoURsE, FRANK A. BROOKS. 

